Don't Stop Now!

Let’s face it. The holidays can be stressful, packed full of events to attend, family gatherings to cook for and gifts to buy. And who can resist that favorite holiday dessert—even if it is just a bite? It is your favorite, after all.

The truth is that, many times, something has to give in order to make room for the holiday season and all its festivities. It’s easy to let exercise go by the wayside when you’re extra busy or stressed during the holidays—but don’t!

Make sure you stick with your exercising—even if it’s just for 20 minutes or so—because it’s one of the best ways to relieve stress and to feel better (or at least less guilty) about that slight indulgence in your favorite dessert.

Here are some tips to staying active during the holidays:

If you are traveling by car or airplane, then get out and walk frequently. If you’re in a car, stop at a rest stop and walk for about15 to 20 minutes every few hours. If you’re at the airport, walk instead of sitting while waiting for your flights. Keep moving!

Plan your exercise times. If it’s not on the calendar, then it’s easier to not exercise. Treat exercising as you would any other appointment—and keep it. It is that important!

Add physical activities to your holiday family time. Exercise together by going skiing, hiking, walking, playing basketball or football. It’s family fun and helps you stick to your exercise routine!

Don’t use holiday busyness as an excuse. Even if you have to trim your exercise time down to 20 minutes from 30 or 40 minutes, do it. Exercising some is better than not exercising at all!

So, don't stop now! Keep on exercising during the holidays. It’s a great stress buster and can help burn off that bite of irresistible holiday dessert.

In order to avoid risk of injury, please seek advice directly from your physician, especially if you have existing medical issues, before beginning any exercise or nutritional program. Also, be sure to stretch after exercise to avoid muscle and joint tightness.

This information is intended for educational and informational
purposes only. It should not be used in place of an individual consultation or examination
or replace the advice of your health care professional and should not be relied upon to determine
diagnosis or course of treatment.